Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to sing the praises of some very hardworking young students from my electorate who recently competed in an essay-writing competition. Last week, as most members would remember, we welcomed to this parliament the President of the United States and arguably the leader of the free world. Each of us as parliamentarians were given the opportunity of having a ticket to the gallery. I took the opportunity within my electorate to share that privilege, that wonderful experience, with students from my community.

I encouraged each of my 11 schools to compete in an essay-writing competition in which they gave me 1,000 words on the relationship between Australia and America and how it should progress over the next 60 years. That was done to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of the ANZUS treaty. Candice Hope and Lindsay Skipper of Flagstone State Community College both received certificates of credit for the magnificent work that they did, along with Amelia Coxon of Laidley State High School. Rachel Venz of Beaudesert State High School also received a certificate of credit, as did Laura Steiniger of Emmaus College. Matt Cumner, Sherry Harvey, Nadia de Villiers, Tahlia Kinrade, Hamish Seagrave and Grace Bennett, all of Boonah State High School, received certificates of merit. The ultimate winner was a young lady by the name of Megan Grummit from Beaudesert State High School. Megan, congratulations on a prize that will hopefully take through for the rest of your life.